Contract Action Center

SEIU Local 1000 Members Authorize Unfair Practice Strike

SEIU Local 1000 members voted to authorize an Unfair Practice Strike in response to the State’s alleged bad-faith bargaining. And for the first time in our union’s history, we will go on strike. The strike will take place on Wednesday, October 21.

Strike Frequently Asked Questions

When are we going on strike?

Our Unfair Practice Strike will take place Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

How long will the strike last?

This will be a one-day strike on Wednesday, October 21 and if you do participate, you will not report to work that day.

Why only a one-day strike?

October 21 is our strike day, but it won’t be the last time we show the State our collective power. If the State continues to refuse to bargain fairly, we’re prepared to escalate and hold the line.

We also know that missing even one day of pay is a huge sacrifice for members who are already struggling, and we don’t take that lightly. We’re going to be strategic about how we use our collective power and what we ask of our members.

Can my job be impacted if I go on strike?

A lawful Unfair Practice Strike is protected concerted activity, and management may not lawfully retaliate against employees for protected participation. Contact the Union immediately if you receive any threat, discipline, or notice related to strike activity.

Will I get paid during a strike? Can I use my vacation or sick leave?

Workers are not eligible to receive pay, leave or unemployment for a strike action. While Local 1000 has a strike fund, those funds will never be sufficient to replace worker wage levels. Members should know that going on strike is powerful, but it requires sacrifice, and members should think about that and plan ahead.

Do we have a strike fund?

Yes. SEIU Local 1000 has a strike fund, but it’s important to understand that the strike fund is not intended to replace workers’ wages during a strike. Going on strike is a financial sacrifice, and members should think about that and plan ahead.

What is the strike fund used for if it doesn’t cover our wages?

Our strike fund can help cover strike-related expenses, including legal costs if members face retaliation or other consequences for participating in a lawful strike. The fund is not intended to replace members’ regular wages while they are on strike.

Can I go on strike if I’m an essential worker?

Our Union will tell members if any employees or positions are excluded from participation, but you can assume you’re eligible to participate unless you’re told otherwise. There is a difference between being “essential” in the everyday or even in a “pandemic” sense and being legally excluded from a strike. Only employees or positions whose absence for the particular day or days of the strike would create an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety may be designated as an essential employee during a strike. If any employees/positions are determined to be excluded from a strike, those workers will be notified directly.

Can I strike if I'm still on probation or a temporary employee?

Yes. Probationary and temporary employees have the same legal right to participate in a lawful unfair practice strike as permanent employees. If there are clear instances of unlawful retaliation because you exercised your rights, the Union will fight to protect your rights under the contract or at PERB. That said, we understand that being on probation can make participating feel especially intimidating. Remember that there are many ways to be involved. You can attend statewide and worksite actions, help organize your coworkers, join our CAT Team and build support in your worksite. Every action helps strengthen our union.

What do I put on my timesheet? I don’t think I can leave it blank.

Ask your manager for guidance on filling out your timesheet for Strike Day. Your department may not have a specific code for strike-related absences and may instruct you to use AWOL. If that happens, don’t panic. A timesheet code is not discipline. A lawful Unfair Practice Strike is protected concerted activity, and management may not unlawfully discipline or retaliate against employees for protected participation.

Will our pension, retirement, or medical benefits be affected if we go on strike?

Striking is legally protected and does not result in a break in benefits coverage. There would be no impact to your pension or other post-employment benefits because of our Union going on strike.

Do you have flyers we can post in our office?

Yes! Click this link to download and print flyers to distribute at your worksite!

What happens after we strike? What are we hoping will happen?
Any strike will be historic. California has never seen a strike this large involving the workers who keep the state running. The Newsom administration can prevent this by coming to the table and bargaining in good faith. Administrations may change, but our demand will not: bargain fairly with the workers who keep California running.
Do we need to call in to work on Strike Day to let our manager know that we're striking?

Individual members are not required to give notice to their employer in order to participate in a strike. Our union will clearly communicate a planned strike with the State prior to any action taking place.

We encourage members to proudly announce their intention to strike but you know your manager best. However, managers should not try to pressure you to give up your right to strike. Announcing your intention is not seeking permission.

For those with mobility limitations who can't stand or march for hours at a picket, will there be any accommodations for us to participate in pickets if there's a strike?

We want all members to be able to participate, including members with disabilities or physical limitations. We’ll provide more information about strike activities and options for participation as plans are finalized.

Can employees on State travel participate in a strike?
  • Employees who are on previously authorized State travel and who are not designated as essential/line-pass employees may participate in the strike. They should notify their supervisor that they will not perform work during the strike period, but should not independently cancel or alter State-paid travel arrangements or assume State travel expenses personally.
  • If the authorized travel began before the strike and continues after the strike day, employees should not be expected to absorb hotel, rental-car, airfare, parking, rebooking, or other travel costs that result from the State-authorized trip. Any changes to lodging, rental cars, airfare, or the travel itinerary should be directed by the department. Employees should retain receipts and documentation.
  • Employees who are striking should not perform incidental work on the strike day—such as checking email, attending meetings or training, driving to a work event, or performing other job duties—simply because they are already on travel. They should generally be treated as striking for that day, subject only to necessary travel logistics and reasonable directions concerning State property or the itinerary.
  • Employees should not expect to claim meals or per diem for the strike day itself, because they are not performing work that day. That does not mean they become responsible for the underlying State travel costs created by an authorized trip that began before the strike and continues afterward.
What if I’m already scheduled to be on pre-approved vacation?

If you are already on approved vacation during a strike, you may use your time as you wish – including supporting the strike. You do not need to give a reason for how you use your vacation time, and you may attend a strike line during your pre-approved vacation if you choose. If management questions or changes your approved leave because of strike activity, contact the Union immediately.

SEIU Local 1000 Member Leader Toolkit  

President Anica Walls announced that Local 1000’s Board of Directors has officially authorized a strike vote. Your members have been asking, you have been preparing, and we have all been working toward this moment. Click here to access our SEIU Local 1000 Member Leader Toolkit.

📄 Download and Print Our Flyers

Strike Information & FAQ!

The State Has the Funds: Let’s Demand They Bargain Fairly!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:
Watch out for S-p-i-t

Picket Line Do’s and Don’ts!

Picket Line RSVP

🎥 Watch Our Informational Video

Don’t S.P.I.T.

 Upcoming CAT Meetings

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Every Second Tuesday of the Month

NEXT CALL: November 10

6:30 – 7:30PM

The Ask the Officers call is your chance to connect directly with Local 1000 leadership. Hear critical updates, ask questions, and stay informed on union priorities that are important to you. Online via Zoom or watch on Facebook Live.

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Mobile Backgrounds – General

Search the January 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023 Contract using the Contract Search Tool or view from the PDFs below. 

ARTICLE 01

Recognition

ARTICLE 02

Union Representatives

ARTICLE 03

Union Security

ARTICLE 04

State’s Rights

ARTICLE 05

General Provisions

ARTICLE 06

Grievance, Arbitration, and AWOL Procedures

ARTICLE 07

Holidays

ARTICLE 08

Leaves

ARTICLE 09

Health Benefits

ARTICLE 10

Health & Safety

ARTICLE 11

Salaries

ARTICLE 12

Allowances and Reimbursements

ARTICLE 13

Career Development

ARTICLE 14

Classification

ARTICLE 15

Transfer

ARTICLE 16

Layoff

ARTICLE 17

Retirement

ARTICLE 18

Permanent Intermittents

ARTICLE 19

Hours of work and Overtime

ARTICLE 20

Post and Bid

ARTICLE 21

Miscellaneous

ARTICLE 22

Special State Schools

ARTICLE 23

CDCR Division of Juvenile Justice

ARTICLE 24

Entire Agreement and Duration

 

ARTICLE 25

CDCR Adult Programs

Preamble

MOU

Side Letters

ATTORNEY UNIT

MOU

GENERAL UNIT

MOU

Side Letter of Agreement

July 2025

Our SEIU Local 1000 bargaining team reached a side letter of agreement with the state. Read the full details below:

FAQs

Have questions about the Side Letter? Check out some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. Click here to view the full list of FAQs.

Are we really getting a 3% raise if there’s also a 3% PLP deduction?

Yes. Your base salary will increase by 3% in July 2025. A 3% PLP deduction will apply, but you’ll receive five hours of Personal Leave each month in exchange. In August 2025, OPEB (retiree healthcare) contributions are suspended, effectively adding 3% back to your take-home pay. The raise also increases your pension, overtime rates, and other pay-related benefits. Some classifications like seasonal, temporary, and permanent intermittent employees may be impacted differently. Please review the side letter for details.

Does suspending OPEB contributions affect my retirement?

If you currently contribute to OPEB (retiree healthcare), your contributions will be suspended from August 2025 through June 2027. This boosts your take-home pay but does not affect your retirement benefits.

Does PLP affect my seniority, retirement, or benefits?

No. PLP does not impact salary ranges, seniority, retirement calculations, state service credit, or eligibility for benefits like health, dental, or vision coverage.

How does the leave cap increase work?

Effective July 1, 2025, the vacation and annual leave cap increases from 640 hours to 760 hours, providing employees more flexibility to manage leave until June 30, 2027.

We’re here for you. If you have any questions, reach out to the Local 1000 Member Resource Center at 866.471.SEIU (7348).